Council - 19 May 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Cook Park aviary heads to review and public consultation
  Council has ordered an 8-week report and a 28-day consultation on the aviary’s future, including possible retention, relocation or removal.
  The decision could change a visible public attraction in Cook Park and will invite community debate on animal welfare and park use.
• Council locks in 6pm meeting start times
  Ordinary Council meetings will now begin at 6pm permanently, with a 9.30pm scheduled finish time.
  This affects when residents can attend, speak, or watch meetings, and may improve accessibility for working people.
• Q3 budget review shows surpluses but questions remain over deficits
  Council adopted Q3 budget variations showing operating and capital surpluses, while councillors pressed staff on reported deficits and asset pressures.
  Budget performance and infrastructure renewal pressures can influence rates, service delivery and capital works priorities.

Decisions

• Cook Park aviary review and consultation
  Council requested a report within 8 weeks on the aviary’s condition and management, including an independent animal welfare assessment, infrastructure/compliance review and operational needs, then a minimum 28-day community consultation on retention, relocation, alternative use, or decommissioning, followed by a further report within 4 weeks of consultation closing.
  Directly affects the future of a public park attraction in Cook Park and gives residents a chance to shape its long-term use.
• Council meeting times changed
  Council resolved that ordinary meetings commence at 6.00pm permanently and finish at 9.30pm unless otherwise resolved during a meeting, with the Code of Meeting Practice to be updated.
  Changes when residents can attend or watch Council meetings and may improve accessibility for the public.
• Disability Inclusion Action Plan placed on exhibition
  The Blayney Cabonne Orange Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 was placed on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
  Invites community feedback on accessibility and inclusion priorities affecting local services and public spaces.
• Q3 budget review acknowledged with surpluses
  Council noted the Q3 Quarterly Budget Review and adopted variations showing a $273,000 operating surplus and a $1.379 million capital surplus, with the Responsible Accounting Officer confirming Council remained in a satisfactory financial position.
  Provides residents with an update on Council’s financial position and budget adjustments that may influence future services and capital works.

Discussion

• Cook Park aviary concerns raised in debate
  Councillors questioned staffing, bird welfare, historic spending and past recommendations about the aviary, and the Acting CEO said expert advice could be sought if the motion passed.
  Signals active scrutiny of animal welfare and maintenance standards at a well-known public facility.
• Public exhibition for disability inclusion planning
  Councillors discussed work experience links with Anson Street School and a possible chamber text screen; staff said a hearing loop already exists and a screen could be considered if needed.
  Shows Council is considering practical accessibility improvements for residents and visitors with disability.
• Financial review and long-term asset pressure
  Questions were asked about reported deficits, asset disposals, and whether operating funds are being used instead of infrastructure renewal; staff said depreciation timing and broader infrastructure pressures explained part of the position.
  Highlights ongoing pressure on rates-funded budgets and infrastructure renewal planning.

Impacts

• Future of the Cook Park aviary will be reviewed publicly, with consultation on whether it is retained, relocated, changed or removed.
• Council meetings will now be scheduled to start at 6.00pm and generally finish by 9.30pm.
• The draft disability inclusion plan will be open for public comment for at least 28 days.
• Council’s latest budget review indicates a modest operating surplus and larger capital surplus for Q3.
• A publicly owned aviation-related lease and an equipment tender were approved in closed session, affecting Council assets and spending.

Places

• Cook Park (park)
  Subject of the aviary review, consultation and future management decisions.
• Orange Sports Precinct (sports precinct)
  Location of the field lighting tender and contract decision made in closed session.
• Orange Airport (airport)
  Location of the lease over part of Hangar F approved in closed session.
• Orange City Council (local government area)
  Council decisions and policy changes affecting residents across Orange.
• Orange (city)
  Broader area covered by the council meeting and related services.
• Blayney (town/local government area)
  Part of the shared Disability Inclusion Action Plan exhibition.
• Cabonne (local government area)
  Part of the shared Disability Inclusion Action Plan exhibition.

Next

• Prepare a report on the Cook Park aviary’s condition and management, including animal welfare and compliance issues
  Within 8 weeks
• Run a minimum 28-day community consultation on the aviary’s future
  After the report is completed
• Bring back a further report on consultation outcomes and recommended next steps for the aviary
  Within 4 weeks of consultation closing
• Update Strategic Policy ST02 – Code of Meeting Practice to reflect the new meeting times
  As soon as practicable after the resolution
• Exhibit the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 for at least 28 days
  Immediately following Council resolution
• Engage a suitably qualified external assessor or peer for the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee term review
  Following Council resolution
• Complete the airport hangar lease and lighting tender contractual documentation
  Following closed-session approvals

Extract

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE, BYNG STREET, ORANGE ON 19 MAY 2026 COMMENCING AT 6:00 PM 1 INTRODUCTION ATTENDANCE Cr T Mileto (Mayor), Cr T Greenhalgh (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy (6.22pm), Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne, Cr D Mallard, Cr S Peterson, Cr M Ruddy, Cr J Stedman, Cr J Whitton Acting Chief Executive Officer (Sharp), Director Development Services, Director Community, Recreation & Cultural Services, Director Technical Services, Manager Corporate Governance, Governance Officer (Robinson), Governance Officer (Maley), Manager Communications & Engagement 1.1 APOLOGIES RESOLVED - 26/231 Cr J Whitton/Cr J Stedman That an apology be accepted f...